For Plymouth parents and kids

Tuesday

Sep 12, 2017 at 6:00 AM

South Shore OCD support group

The South Shore OCD Support Group holds regular meetings for adults, teens and children suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Parents of children, family and friends of adults are all welcome. Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, at South Shore Mental Health, 64 Industrial Park Road, Plymouth. There is no cost and the building is wheelchair accessible. Call Barbara Lashley at 508-830-1630 for more information.

Parent and family education classes

The Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth, located at 275 Sandwich St. in Plymouth, offers numerous classes for parents, parents-to-be, children and grandparents. Visit www.bidplymouth.org/calendar for complete list of classes and to register, or call 508-746-2000.

The Edge

The Edge is funded by a grant from the Department of Public Health and works to inspire young adults to find their passion and avoid underage drinking and substance abuse. Andrue Coombes is a community organizer, social analyst and the founder of The Edge - Plymouth. For more info on getting involved, you can reach Coombes at acoombes@hptc.org.

WIC hours at Cordage Park and Camelot Drive

Harbor Community Health Center-Plymouth is pleased to welcome Health Imperatives, which directs the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as the WIC Program, to regular office hours at the health center’s Cordage Park location, at 10 Cordage Park Circle in Plymouth. WIC staff will be available at the health center the second and fourth Thursday mornings of the month. According to Health Imperatives Program Director Marlene Clark, the new hours will help WIC reach income eligible families who reside in the North Plymouth and Kingston areas, 15 percent of which are not yet enrolled for WIC programs. The twice-monthly office hours will provide a convenient alternative for those who might encounter challenges in visiting WIC’s main offices at 123-1 Camelot Drive in South Plymouth. Currently, 160 families in the area are enrolled, and Clark thinks that number will rise to 300 within the next several years and possibly sooner. Harbor Community Health Center-Plymouth opened its medical and dental clinics at Cordage Park in March 2014. The center is a public health agency committed to providing comprehensive health care to residents of Plymouth County and offers easy access to comprehensive family medicine and dental services, and accepts Free Care, MassHealth, and all major commercial insurances. Individuals having no insurance and looking for primary care and dental services are welcomed and a financial counselor is on staff to assist individuals with enrollments. WIC is a nutrition program which safeguard the health of low to moderate income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care. WIC also provides free and confidential counseling and advocacy to individuals impacted by sexual violence and/or relationship violence including a 24-hour hotline at 508-588-8255. Sexual assault counseling services and family planning for men, women and adolescents including reproductive health exams, STD/HIV/Hep C testing, birth control are offered at the Camelot Drive site. WIC recently updated its paper WIC check system to a more user-friendly debit card system and is now also offering a SMART phone app which will provide card balances and will indicate approved WIC food items and venders. Yogurt and white potatoes were added to the list of approved foods. For more information about Harbor Health Services Inc., visit www.hhsi.us. For more information about WIC, visit www.healthimperatives.org/wic.

Plymouth WIC program

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding and/or have a child under the age of 5 years, you may qualify for the Plymouth WIC program. WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a free nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to healthcare and other services to Massachusetts families that qualify. There is always something new and exciting happening at the Plymouth WIC office (at 123-1 Camelot Drive), including dental team, farmers’ market, breastfeeding celebrations, Food Day tastings and more. WIC’s goal is to keep pregnant and breastfeeding women and kids under age 5 healthy. There are also WIC offices in Wareham, Marshfield, Middleborough and Rockland. To find out if you are eligible, call the Plymouth WIC office at 508-747-4933.

South Shore CAC family support

South Shore Community Action Council’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant provides playgroups, story times, parent workshops and support to families with children from birth through the age of 8 years. All services and activities are free of charge through a Comm. of Mass., Dept. of Early Education and Care Grant. SSCAC collaborates with local libraries and early childhood programs to provide these events. For more information, call 508-747-7585, ext. 6247.

Plymouth Family Network

PFN is a local program serving all Plymouth families with young children. Through direct services and referrals, PFN provides a variety of family education and support services designed to make parenting less stressful, to build on family strengths and enhance school readiness. There are no income requirements for participation and all services are free of charge. PFN provides comprehensive resources and referrals; parent education programs; parent leadership opportunities; parent-child educational playgroups; early childhood development information, screening and referrals, including the Ages and Stages questionnaire; family literacy and school readiness programs, including the Raising a Reader program; family and community events; help finding quality licensed child care; information on child care financial assistance; home visiting for newborns; and family support. The family center is specially equipped with toys and other materials for children under the age of 6. Children can play, learn, explore, and make new friends in a friendly, family-centered environment. Playgroups for infants and young children are offered at both the PFN Center and other locations. Playgroups provide a relaxed, fun environment for families to make friends with other parents, share parenting tips and gain and give support, plus qualified staff to answer your questions about early childhood development and behavior management strategies. Parent education programs run by both staff and early childhood specialists who help parents learn about and cope with some of the common challenges of parenting a young child. PFN also offers a collection of toys, books, CDs and other educational resources for both parents and children. PFN also offers the Parent-Child Home Program (PCHP), a two-year early education and school readiness home visiting program that strengthens families and prepares children for success in school. This program helps you realize your role as your child’s first and most important teacher, promotes school readiness and provides free educational toys and children’s books. PFN’s Parent Power, an 8-week group designed for pre-school aged children 2.9 and older, includes time for parents and children to play together, have circle time and complete a craft. Parents then separate from the children and have a brief discussion group while the children play under the supervision of experienced preschool staff. If you have any questions regarding resources for your family or have concerns regarding the health and development of your child, do not hesitate to call. PFN can connect you with the resources you need. No question is too big or small and all information is kept confidential. PFN is located inside Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS) at 117 Long Pond Road in Plymouth. For more information on the program, visit www.plymouth.k12.ma.us under “family support resources.” To sign up to receive the quarterly newsletter or calendar of events, call 508-830-4444 or send an email to pfn@plymouth.k12.ma.us.

La Leche League

La Leche League is a nonprofit international organization offering information, education and support for breastfeeding and parenting. LLL services also include a lending library and 24-hour telephone help. Services are free. For more information, go to www.lllmarivt.org/south-shore or call Kate at 781-749-2404 or Heather at 781-544-9230.

Nautical and military training

Gosnold Division and Training Ship Patriot State of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps are welcoming new applicants to the training program at Mass. Maritime Academy. Young men and women between the ages of 11 and 13 who may be interested in nautical or military opportunities are encouraged to join. Training is conducted between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on alternating Saturdays in the Harrington Building at Mass. Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay. Interested applicants should call Lt. Cdr. James McLoughlin at 508-759-8606.

Curry College in Plymouth

Curry College’s Plymouth Campus of Continuing Education is at 20 North Park Ave. and offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs. To learn more call Curry College at 508-747-2424 or visit www.curry.edu.

Plymouth campus of Quincy College

The Plymouth campus of Quincy College is at 36 Cordage Park Circle, Plymouth, near the MBTA train station and on the GATRA bus line. Pick up a course catalog. Many courses offer a reduced tuition rate for high school students and those over age 65. Visit www.quincycollege.edu or call 508-747-0400 for information.

Bay Farm Montessori

Bay Farm Montessori Academy is an independent, coeducational day school located in Duxbury offering programs for students from 12 months through 14 years (eighth grade). The school enrolls approximately 200 children from towns all over the South Shore. Bay Farm’s curriculum incorporates captivating materials and promotes hands-on learning. Students enjoy study in a broad array of areas including an outstanding visual and performing arts program, Science Fair, French, Spanish, and a vigorous academic program. To accommodate the needs of working parents, Bay Farm also provides early drop off at 7:30 a.m. and late pickup at 5:30 p.m. Financial aid and extended payment plans are available. Bay Farm is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE). For more information, contact Sandy Kozlowsky, Director of Admissions, at 781-934-7101, ext. 38, or email sandyk@bfarm.org to learn more about Bay Farm.

Head Start

South Shore Head Start and Child Care offers preschool and full-day childcare programs for children aged 2 years and nine months, to age 5. Head Start serves the South Shore from Hingham to the Cape. The Plymouth location is 196 South Meadow Road. Before and after kindergarten care is available for Plymouth children (only). You are eligible for Head Start if you live in one of the following towns: Plymouth, Marshfield, Kingston, Carver, Duxbury, Pembroke, Halifax, Hanover, Plympton, Scituate, Cohasset, Hingham or Norwell; if your family meets the income guidelines; your family exceeds the guidelines but your child has special needs; or if you have a foster child. Call Megan at 508-746-0333 for information.

Monday Moms on the Move

Monday Moms on the Move, a free fun-filled activity group, is held at 9:30 a.m. every Monday in downtown Plymouth. New moms, stay-at-home moms and work-from-home moms spend time with their children and meet other moms in a supportive environment (all ages are welcome). Activities offered are “mom and me” yoga classes, visits to local zoos, beach days with activities, stroller pacing walks, rainy day exercise classes and more. For meet-up times and additional information, call Noreen at 508-272-2183 to register.

BID-Plymouth family and parenting classes

The Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth, located at 275 Sandwich St. in Plymouth, offers many family and parenting classes. Call 888-424-3759to register (unless otherwise specified) or for information about any of the following classes.

Active Parenting: a program that helps parents face the special challenges of caring for toddlers 1 to 4. Classes are scheduled on an as-needed basis. Call Sue West at 508-830-2929. Active Parenting of Teens: Classes are scheduled on an as-needed basis. Call Sue West at 508-830-2929. Boot Camp for New Dads: for first-time fathers, led by “boot camp” veterans and their babies, under the direction of a trained coach. Classes are scheduled on an as-needed basis. Call Sue West at 508-830-2929. Breastfeeding class: first Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 9 p.m.; preregister; $15 per family. Breastfeeding support program: Mondays (except holidays) from noon to 2 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon; take your baby; registration is not required and there is no fee. Your Baby Care class: second Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 9 p.m.; preregister, $15 per couple. Refresher childbirth class: for parents who previously attended prepared childbirth classes. One class session, reviews breathing, relaxation techniques and exercise; call 508-830-2236 to arrange a date for this class. Prepared childbirth class: Four-week series, should be started about eight weeks prior to your due date; pre-register, $150; also offered at the medical building at 441 Route 130 in Sandwich. Call 888-424-3759. Intensive childbirth preparation: “Labor Express,” held a Saturday or Sunday each month; sign up and prepay, $150. Sibling class: prepares brothers and sisters for the birth of a new baby, held Sunday from 4 to 5:30 p.m.; $25 per family; call to register. Infant massage: four-week series in which you will learn step-by-step techniques, progressive routines and special methods to soothe and nurture your baby; meets Tuesday every other month from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; $35 for the series; call for dates and times and to register. Parenting Birth to Birthday: a series of four classes; $5 per class; meets Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; register by calling 508-830-2929. Parenting Your Toddler: a series of four classes; Mondays, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; $ $5 per class; register by calling 508-830-2929. Babysitter safety training: For new and seasoned babysitters ages 11 and up, this course is offered from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and teaches about child development, child-care skills, basic first aid, how to handle emergencies and the responsibilities of a successful sitter. Call Bette Antonellis at 508-830-2174 for upcoming dates and to register. Depression after delivery: Meets the second Thursday of each month, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the meditation room on the third floor; all new mothers and their families are welcome; call Gerri Piatelli at 781-837-4242. Grandparents program: a review of updated changes in childbirth and infant care for grandparents and grandparents-to-be, first Sunday of every other month from 1 to 3 p.m., $40 per family; call to register.

Local schools address all disabilities

It is the responsibility of the Plymouth School Department to identify any child who is a resident of Plymouth who may have a disability, regardless of the severity of that disability.

It is also the responsibility of the Plymouth public schools to evaluate those students to determine which are eligible for special education or related services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or 603 CMR 28 (Massachusetts Special Education Regulations). Plymouth’s public schools are committed to locating those children before their third birthday in order to provide early intervention services for children 3 and 4 years old. If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s development and would like to have your preschool child screened, call Mary Mello, the director of the Mount Pleasant Developmental Preschool, at 508-830-4347 for an appointment. If your child is already enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12 and you or your pediatrician think your child should be evaluated to determine eligibility for special education services, you should make that request in writing to the principal of your child’s school. Include your child’s name, address and date of birth, as well as the parent’s telephone number and a brief description of your concerns. The following is a list of information to assist you in contacting the local schools. Cold Spring Elementary, 22 Alden St., 508-830-4335 Federal Furnace Elementary, 360 Federal Furnace Road, 508-830-4360 Hedge Elementary, 258 Standish Ave., 508-830-4340 Indian Brook Elementary, 1181 State Road, 508-830-4370 Manomet Elementary, 70 Point Road, 508-830-4380 Mount Pleasant Preschool, 22 Whiting St., 508-830-4347 Nathaniel Morton Elementary, 6 Lincoln St., 508-830-4320 Plymouth Community Intermediate, 117 Long Pond Road, 508-830-4450 Plymouth North High, 41 Obery St., 508-830-4400 Plymouth South High, 490 Long Pond Road, 508-224-7512 Plymouth South Middle, 488 Long Pond Road, 508-224-2725 South Elementary, 176 Bourne Road, 508-830-4390 West Elementary, 170 Plympton Road, 508-830-4350